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Hemet council approves first reading of Arts in Public Places zoning amendment; vote 4-1
Summary
The Hemet City Council approved on first reading a citywide Arts in Public Places zoning amendment that would require art installations, donations or in-lieu fees for many new developments; Council directed staff to return with clarifications and language on existing private murals.
The Hemet City Council on Feb. 24 approved on first reading a citywide Arts in Public Places zoning amendment designed to fund and expand public art in the city.
Assistant Planner Nathan Morin told the council the program would apply to new non-exempt construction and public projects with a valuation threshold beginning at $100,000. Developers could satisfy the requirement by installing permanent artwork with a maintenance agreement, donating commissioned or existing artwork to the city's collection, or paying an in-lieu fee. Staff proposed an in-lieu fee of 0.5% of project valuation for both residential and nonresidential projects; the planning commission had considered different percentages and recommended 0.5%.
The ordinance includes exemptions for single-family residential rehabilitation and expansions, accessory dwelling units, interior improvements, emergency work and certain deed-restricted affordable housing (staff said 100% deed restriction for at least 55 years would qualify). Morin also described selection methods for city-initiated projects that would allow open calls, limited invitationals or direct solicitation of specific artists.
During the public hearing, representatives of the Hemet Valley Art Association, the Healthy Valley Foundation and the Human Relations Council urged approval, highlighted a community-led mural project and provided application and public-engagement dates. Council members asked whether the ordinance would address existing private murals (including one on a downtown music store). City staff said the draft ordinance primarily addresses funding and new development standards, but the council could request additional language at second reading to address review of existing private murals.
Councilmember Lodge moved, and Councilmember Petersen seconded, to approve the ordinance on first reading and bring back the item with requested clarifications and any typos corrected by staff. The roll call vote was Clark yes, Lodge yes, Petersen yes, Mayor Pro Tem Maals no, Mayor Krupa yes; the motion passed 4-1.
The council directed staff to return at the second reading with draft language clarifying how the city would treat existing private murals and to consider amendments that would allow community groups and youth participation while preserving standards for donated artwork. The ordinance will return for a formal second reading and final adoption vote.
